Scottish champion Whitburn recently celebrated the achievements of a hugely successful 2015 by making awards to some of their longest serving members and current stars.
Reason to celebrate
The West Lothian band had reason to celebrate after winning every domestic contest during the year, including the Scottish Championships and the Scottish Open, as well as taking part in the celebrated 'Dark Arteries' dance production with the Rambert Ballet Company.
Stalwarts
On the night, Band President David Kinross presented lifetime membership awards to some Whitburn stalwarts.
John Lambie, Jimmy Graham, Sam Knox and Bobby Hendrie were all members of the Major Parkes era of Whitburn's history, when the band won six Scottish championships between 1980 and 1987 and finished third at the European and National Championships. Nowadays, all four continue to play an active role in the organisation.
25 years service
Medals for 25 years service were also awarded to three current players — Chris Bradley, Iain Fleming and Alan Gourlay, along with Kenneth Crookston, the Editor of the British Bandsman magazine.
Alex and Lockhart Vidler (life membership), along with Evelyn Bradley and Chic Cullen (25 years service), have also been recognised for their outstanding contributions and will receive their medals at a later date.
Double
It turned out to be a double celebration for Chris Bradley, as he was also named 'Player of the Year' for the third time. The 'Players' Player' award went to soprano Scott Forrest, Mel Clark was a popular recipient of the 'Bandsman of the Year' trophy and Charlie Farren was presented with the inaugural 'Presidents Award'.
For Whitburn Heartlands, 2015 was marked with success with victory at the Scottish Championship and a fourth place finish at the National Finals.
Holly Groves was presented with the 'Young Player of the Year' award, whilst Kirsty Adams was 'Senior Player of the Year'.
it was a pleasure to celebrate what has been a fantastic year and to highlight the amazing contributions of some of the longest serving members who have given so much to Whitburn over the yearsBand President, Dave Kinross
Youth
Not to be outdone, the Whitburn Youth Band retained its title of Scottish Youth Development Section title in 2015.
MD Caroline Farren awarded Melanie Pollock with the 'Bandsperson of the Year', with Eilidh Skinner winning the 'Most Improved Player' trophy. The 'Player of the Year' went to flugel horn Morgan Tait.
Finally, members of the Whitburn Wee Band — a group for beginners playing their first notes, were all awarded certificates for their efforts.
Honour
Whitburn Band President David Kinross told 4BR: "It was an honour to present prizes to all bands and players in the organisation.
In particular, it was a pleasure to celebrate what has been a fantastic year and to highlight the amazing contributions of some of the longest serving members who have given so much to Whitburn over the years."
